11 February 2024 , 15:36
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Golf fans were left furious at the WM Phoenix Open after beer taps were turned off and patrons turned away from entering due to massive crowds.
The gates at TPC Scottsdale were shut at 2pm on Saturday and alcohol sales shut off in most parts of the venue, putting a dampener on the raucous party atmosphere - notably around the 'stadium' 16th hole.
Fans were in high spirits despite the bad weather, with rain and 40-degree temperatures in the morning turning into the mid-50s as the morning went on. Fans in the stands were heard repeatedly chanting: "We want beer."
"Due to larger than usual crowds, the WM Phoenix Open entrance gates are temporarily closed and shuttle service to the event is on hold," an official statement read. The tournament touts itself as 'The People's Open' and the 'Greatest Show on Grass' and fans make a party of it rain or shine.
Fighting also broke out and 30 people reportedly blacked out due to large alcohol consumption. The majority of the rowdiness at the par-3 16th hole where fans ignore calls for quiet and create a frat-like atmosphere and are often encouraged up by the players to cheer louder.
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A woman also fell and suffered non-life-threatening injuries requiring hospitalization.
"Today at the WM Phoenix Open, a fan sustained non-life-threatening injuries after a fall at the 16th hole," the organizers added. "Scottsdale fire and bike team paramedics reacted quickly at the scene to give the injured fan immediate medical attention and then provided safe transport to a local medical centre for further evaluation.”
Canadian Nick Taylor held a one-stroke lead over American Sahith Theegala, however, he was halted by the weather as darkness brought a stop to the third round.
The pair had completed just six holes of the third round and the leaders will have 30 holes to get through on Sunday. The organizers are hoping for no further delays to play after last week's event at Pebble Beach was reduced to 54 holes due to the weather.
“Just hearing the cheers is pretty epic,” said Theegala. “A bunch of guys with my name and my face on shirts out there. The officer was telling me people got too drunk. But it was all in good fun, and hopefully everyone stayed safe. It’s a blast.
"There’s definitely some people that aren’t the best drunks, but for the most part it’s all positive, and it’s a fun atmosphere. You do have to block some of it out at certain times. That’s for sure. But still kind of in full embrace mode.”